Confidence Among Brethren by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 17, 1910

_Confidence Among Brethren_

By F. M. W.

CONFIDENCE in one's fellows is one of the essentials of true prosperity in every department of the world's great work. Let the spirit of distrust and suspicion once gain a foothold, even in the business world, and conditions are created inimical to prosperity and happiness. Some of the great financial crises of the world have resulted from this lack of confidence. The same principle is true as applied to the church of God. In this communion, higher and holier than any relationship which the world affords, confidence and trust will bear effectual fruit; and just as truly will distrust and suspicion produce baneful results.

That man is to be pitied, who, in consequence of reverses and untoward circumstances in his experience, has lost faith in his fellows, either in the church or in the world. We may see those around us, even our brethren and sisters, who do wrong. We may see them hold views

contrary to our views, and follow plans and methods against which our judgment revolts; and yet while we may recognize this, we may still credit them with possessing good motives and laboring with good intentions. The cultivation of this view of the question will serve to cultivate a generosity of heart in us, and put us in a position where we can help those in error.

The great Master Builder takes us, rough, unhewn stones from the quarry, and sees with the eyes of faith the development of qualities and attributes entirely hidden to the natural gaze. When we fall, he lifts us up. When we slight his mercy, he again trusts us with his blessing. His infinite gaze can search out our weaknesses and recognize them far more certainly than we can recognize the weaknesses of our fellow men; and yet, with this perfect knowledge on his part, he still treats man on this basis of confidence and trust.

Let us seek to cultivate in our lives this same generous-heartedness. If some of our brethren fall, let us seek to raise them up, trusting that the second trial may bring them out victors. We can not know the full reason for their fall. We can not appreciate the traits which have been transmitted to them through heredity, the weaknesses which have come through early environment, the education for which they perhaps were not responsible, nor do we know how much they resisted before they fell. Possibly, had we been in their place we would have done far worse. Let us then be charitable, and instead of crushing the bruised reed, or extinguishing the smoking flax, let us seek to bind up the broken, and to kindle into new life the smoldering embers. By this course, we may save a soul from death, and may be the means in God's hands of helping to develop a truly noble character, which shall shine in resplendent glory throughout eternity.

Instead of drawing apart and finding fault with each other, let us seek to draw together. A divided church becomes the prey of the adversary; a united church under God may make a noble fight for truth and righteousness. Let us suppress the critical word, the unkind thought, and cultivate toward all our fellows, and especially toward our brethren and sisters in the church of God, a spirit of confidence and trust and love. Confidence will beget confidence. Love will cause returning love to spring forth; and that which we seek to give to others will return to us in sevenfold measure and blessing. “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing.”

F. M. W.